This year Ukrainians throughout the world are marking a milestone in the history of their nation – the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Ukrainian state as proclaimed on 24 August 1991.
Ukrainian Independence Day will be commemorated proudly by Ukrainians as their greatest national holiday despite the relentless Russian aggression that aims to deny them this well-deserved right.
Ukrainians have a great deal of which to be proud. A rich history and culture, a highly educated population, a diverse harmonious community with over 130 nationalities, natural resources contributing to leading exports, a globally highly-rated young entrepreneurial capacity – all of which have jointly contributed to the development of a civil society that has risen to the challenge with unprecedented resolve to be the main crafter of the nation’s destiny.
Ukrainians in the diaspora are fully united with the people of Ukraine on this historic occasion and reaffirm their commitment to nurture a united global Ukrainian community that together will attain, develop and strengthen a fully independent, sovereign and territorially integral Ukraine.
On Independence Day we join in prayer to honor all those who, in modern history and throughout the centuries, have made the ultimate sacrifice for Ukraine’s independence.
Let us also keep in our prayers the men and women who today continue to stand on the front lines against the Russian aggressor, and the countless families in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea whose lives have been forever changed.
“On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day I extend greetings to the Hierarchs and Clergy of Ukrainian Churches, President of Ukraine, Prime Minister of Ukraine, Chairman of the Parliament of Ukraine, all the brave men and women actively defending Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, UWC member organizations and Ukrainians worldwide,” stated UWC President Eugene Czolij.
On UkrainianIndependence Day, may the Ukrainian flag wave freely in every corner of the world reminding us to never lose sight of our aspiration for a brighter future in which peace, freedom and prosperity prevail.
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to our Heroes!